Over the years we’ve distilled our process into three phases that help to align our work together, simplify our pricing, and allow for a metric of progress towards completion. Each phase may vary depending on the details and goals of your project, but generally all of our work follows this pattern.

Our Process

01 Discovery

The goal of the Discovery Phase is to understand the vision for the project, reveal the general limitations and parameters, and to create an accurate digital 3D model to work from. During this phase we will:

Gather Information

  • Ask questions to understand the scope and general vision of the project.

  • Gather your reference and inspiration materials as desired (photos, Pinterest, Houzz, links, etc).

  • Take photographs and precise measurements of all relevant existing structures and features, as well as a LiDAR scan and drone photography of the adjacent site area if applicable.

  • Obtain the survey if it is available

Establish Existing Conditions and Parameters

  • Capture the intention of the proposed design including size of the house, number of rooms, room types, number of stories, entrances and access points, site location, solar access, views, and important functions to be included in the design.

  • Review zoning regulations at a high level looking specifically for issues that would complicate the project or risk feasibility.

Scope Direction Summary

  • Perform a massing study to explore exterior forms and focus the direction and scope.

  • Generate a schematic floor plan to explore interior layouts and focus the direction and scope.

  • Review structural components that may trigger the need for a licensed structural engineer.

02 Design Development

The goal of the Design Development Phase is to enhance the 3D model until it represents an accurate visualization of the desired goals by exploring ideas and making decisions. This is an iterative and collaborative process that begins with the concepts generated in the Discovery Phase, working through options to refine all aspects of what will be constructed. This work will be coordinated with all project stakeholders as needed. This part of the project can go at the pace you are comfortable with, and we’ll guide the process in a logical progression that touches every element. Design can be quite nonlinear, so here are some guiding principles:

Circular Process
Design development follows a circular pattern, cycling through checkpoints of key criteria. The design should consider the goals, aesthetics, cost, functionality, materials, feasibility of construction, adherence to codes, environmental impact, and future use.

Dynamic Decisions
Most decisions will impact some other aspect of the project, so there is a constant weighing of options and trade-offs. For example, we grow the closet but must now shrink the shower. The fun challenge of design is to find a way for most of the best ideas to coexist in harmony.

Problems and Opportunities
Our job is to navigate you through the building project experience with your vision and goals as the north star. Along the way it is our responsibility to point out issues and complications, as well as opportunities and ideas. As frustrating as it is to discover a major design issue later, it can be equally disappointing to discover a missed opportunity.

Elegant Solutions
A simple way to state the purpose of design is:  to solve problems with elegant solutions. These are the solutions hiding in plain sight, waiting to be found. The solution that addresses multiple needs, or arises accidentally through a thoughtful and rational process of elimination. Put another way, our goal is to hit homeruns.

03 Documentation

The final phase represents the creation of a traditional set of plans that will be submitted with the building permit application, and used by the builder during construction. At this time, the beautiful 3D model that we’ve all gotten to know is translated into 2D drawings that present the design in a conventional way conveying intent and the necessary dimensions, notes and details in plan view, elevation, section, and perspective drawings.

Permitting

The building permit application for your project can be submitted by you or an authorized representative (this could be the building designer, interior designer, builder, attorney, etc). We’re happy to provide this service at a basic level for an hourly rate, but can’t replace the services of an attorney in contentious situations such as difficult variance requests. We can talk about this in detail when the time comes, but in any event, any changes, notes or clarifications requested by Code Enforcement will be made as promptly as possible to support the application.

Construction

Our drawing package will convey to the builder and subcontractors what is to be built - this will likely be used for estimating as well. Depending on the level of detail a project requires, this may include specific information about materials and assemblies, uncommon electrical, plumbing and HVAC configurations and unique construction methods. Coordination with the builder and local code enforcement will ensure that all required information is included on the plans. Throughout the project we will support changes that arise through the discovery of unfavorable existing conditions, or requests for more detail or clarification.